Max Verstappen joined an elite club of Formula One legends by clinching his fourth consecutive world championship in Las Vegas. Only six drivers in the sport's history have achieved four titles, with Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel being the only ones to win their first four consecutively. As fireworks lit up the Vegas Strip, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali praised Verstappen, calling him "a true great of this sport." The Dutchman’s dominance continues, having smashed Michael Schumacher's record of 896 days atop the standings, a streak that began in May 2022.
The 2025 season promises to be a thrilling contest as traditional powerhouses McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes ramp up their challenges. Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton's anticipated switch from Mercedes to Ferrari adds an exciting dynamic to the grid. While Red Bull's early dominance in 2024 faltered mid-season, Verstappen's driving brilliance kept him ahead, culminating in a stunning victory from 17th place in Brazil. Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko credited Verstappen's exceptional skill for covering the team's mid-season struggles.
With 62 career wins, Verstappen remains behind Lewis Hamilton's record of 105, but his consistency was key in 2024, amassing a 63-point lead despite seven different drivers securing multiple victories. As Formula One heads into 2025, Verstappen's quest for a fifth title is set to unfold against an increasingly competitive field, ensuring fans an electrifying season ahead.